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Thyssenkrupp's stand from Hannover Messe 2017
Thyssenkrupp's stand from Hannover Messe 2017
German engineering company, Thyssenkrupp has revealed plans to open its first 3D printing facility later this year.
Hans-Josef Hoss, an executive board member of Thyssenkrupp's Materials Services division, made the announcement at Hannover Messe, suggesting it was the natural next step for a company which has already invested into 3D technology.
Thyssenkrupp is a multinational conglomerate, divided into 670 subsidiaries around the world. One of the world’s largest steel producers, Thyssenkrupp also supplies thousands of tonnes of product, both metal and plastic, to a quarter of a million customers.
The 3D printing centre, scheduled for inauguration in September, will produce metal and plastic parts using the latest 3D printing technology for its customers.
“We have decided to establish our own 3D printing centre,” said Hoss. “We have invested already into the machines. We have invested already in the people – they are there. They are already producing. We start from the engineering side and deliver the final product with all aftersales and related services.”
Thyssenkrupp intentions to step up its interest in 3D technology have been revealed in parallel with GE, a global force of similar reputation, maintaining its growing commitment to adopting additive manufacturing. Last year, GE set up its GE Additive subsidiary and acquired majority shares in Arcam and Concept Laser. This week, GE Additive confirmed the first of a string of Customer Experience Centers which will give customers first-hand experience of the design and production of additively manufactured products.
Though Thyssenkrupp has made public its plans for a 3D printing centre, Hoss did not reveal where the facility would be located or exactly what technology would be housed there. Thyssenkrupp is a global engineering firm operating in 80 countries and a range of different industries, from automotive and aerospace to chemicals. The company was born in 1999 when two firms established in the 19th century, Thyssen (1891) and Krupp (1811), merged together. Combining their respective steel expertise, the resulting conglomerate has established itself as one of the largest engineering companies in the world.
